Licart

Generic name: diclofenac topical system (patch) [ dye-KLOE-fen-ak ]
Brand names: Flector Patch, Licart
Drug class: Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 29, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is diclofenac topical system (patch)?

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Diclofenac topical system (patch) is used in adults to treat pain caused by sprains, strains, or bruising.

Certain brand forms of diclofenac topical system (patch) can be used in children at least 6 years old.

Diclofenac may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Diclofenac topical system (patch) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Stop using diclofenac and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

Diclofenac may cause serious side effects. Stop using diclofenac and call your doctor at once if you have:

• any skin rash, no matter how mild;

• flu-like symptoms;

• high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• high blood potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;

• kidney or heart problems--swelling, urinating less, rapid weight gain, feeling tired or short of breath; or

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of Licart may include:

• headache;

• nausea; or

• itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Diclofenac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use Licart just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Diclofenac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

Diclofenac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Diclofenac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. This can occur without warning, especially in older adults.

You should not use diclofenac if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients, or if you have or have ever had asthma or a severe allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing) after taking aspirin or another NSAID.

Do not apply this medicine to open wounds, chapped, irritated, or infected skin due to skin conditions such as eczema, a skin infection, skin rash, burns or wounds.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• stomach problems such as heartburn, ulcers or bleeding;

• any other bleeding problems;

• a habit of drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day;

• asthma;

• fluid retention; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Do not use diclofenac during pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID in the last 20 weeks can harm the unborn baby or cause pregnancy complications.

It may be harder for you to get pregnant while you are using this medicine.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I use diclofenac topical system (patch)?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the lowest effective dose for your condition.

Diclofenac is usually applied once or twice daily. Do not use Licart more often or longer than directed. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

The patch is for use only on the skin. Do not apply near your eyes, nose, mouth, or lips.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine, including how to safely dispose of any unused portion. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Clean and dry the affected area with soap and water before application. Wash your hands after applying or removing the patch.

If the patch does not stick well, you may place medical tape around the edges. You may also use a mesh netting sleeve to hold a patch in place on your skin. Do not cover the patch with a bandage or other covering that does not allow air to pass through.

After removing the patch, throw it away by folding in half so the adhesive side sticks to itself. Keep used and unused patches out of the reach of children or pets. A patch could be fatal to a child or pet who accidentally chews on it. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.

You may need frequent medical tests while using this medicine.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Reseal the storage envelope each time you remove a patch from it.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using diclofenac topical system (patch)?

Do not wear a patch while taking a bath, shower or while swimming.

Avoid getting Licart in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Call your doctor if you have eye irritation that lasts longer than 1 hour.

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to diclofenac (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

What other drugs will affect diclofenac topical system (patch)?

Ask your doctor before using diclofenac if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Diclofenac can harm your kidneys or liver, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, birth control, high cholesterol, seizures, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or

• steroid medicine (prednisone and others).

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect diclofenac. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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